Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants including catechins — antioxidants that protect cells from damage. According to a 2023 study, green tea improved HDL (“good”) cholesterol and reduced total cholesterol in people who were categorized as overweight or having obesity, as well as in those within the normal body weight range.
Green tea also contains other antioxidants, known as polyphenols. Research has linked higher consumption of green tea and polyphenols with lower LDL cholesterol levels.
However, while green tea is generally safe, it may cause side effects. For instance, green tea extract can cause nausea, constipation, stomach upset, and increased blood pressure. At very high doses green tea can interfere with certain medications for hypertension, heart issues, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Green tea may also interact with other medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
Additionally, green tea contains caffeine, which can cause insomnia, jitters, and other symptoms associated with excessive caffeine consumption.
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